Peep Show: April Francis - Design Bureau

Peep Show: April Francis

Clockwise from top left: iPad; Herve pouch; Retrosuperfuture red sunglasses; My notebook from Greer; One of the 14 volumes of The Haute Closet In Your Head, my mix-tape series; Goody rubberbands; MAC lipstick; Red clip for wardrobe styling; Stamps; Vintage French hairclip from Robin Richman; Door card for Danny’s; My business card; Green clip; Feathers from Sucotash on Damen; Lace fingerless glove from Robin Richman; Big French vintage hair-clip bow from Robin Richman; Minted rose lip balm; Orange tassel key fob from Hermès Chicago opening party; Binder clip; Letter to Chandra Greer (in pink envelope)

Peep Show: April Francis

Peep Show: April Francis

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Peep Show: April Francis

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

by Elizabeth Gilmore

Whether it's planning huge events like Dose Market or styling clients at The Haute Closet, fashion and culture guru April Francis makes sure that she looks good no matter what she's doing. Bookworm by day and socialite by night, she's one hardworking lady-force. Known for her effortless style and impeccable taste, Francis shares what's on her mind...and in her bag.

You have tons of exciting stuff going on right now. Tell me a little about the April Francis "brand" and what you do.

April Francis brand: bursting at the seams. Basically, I’m a stylist for brands, people, and the media doing personal, editorial, and commercial wardrobe, doing copywriting, article writing, and guest blogging. I also do applied consulting on all aspects of brand imaging, sales, and marketing.

If you could only have four items in your closet that you had to wear/use for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Best question ever. A rad pair of jeans. An easy, black, short, draped, silk, one-shoulder toga dress. A perfect white T-shirt. A pair of mildly pointy, red, patent-leather flats with a nude sole. Four is my favorite number.

What was the last book you read?

Last book start to finish was a Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart. Just picked up Diana Vreeland, got sucked into five chapters already — fascinating and brisk. Reading is my absolute favorite activity. I read everything. The New Yorker every week. Harpers every month. N+1, which is simply the best literary journal. The Harvard Review. The usual suspects when it comes to mags, along with AnotherPurple, The Last Magazine, and so much more. Popurls. Reddit. Twitter. The New Yorker's Book Bench. I’m a junkie.

If you could live the life of a character out of a book, who would it be and why?

Alice, from Alice in Wonderland. But I wouldn’t give up what I’ve got. Perhaps I’m Matilda? Although, my parents rock.

What was your first job?

I actually put together a web-design company before I could get a work permit, because I wanted to work and have always been interested in geeking out on the Internet. This was in, like, 1996, when you could throw up a homestead on Yahoo! or something. Then I made pizzas, but quit because there was smut under the cash register, and I was a prude. But that was gross.

If we were to walk in on you unannounced, what would we most likely find you doing?

Doing something with words or images on a screen or a page.

If you were to be the lead singer of a band, what would be the name of that band and what kind of music would you perform?

My first thought is, “Fuck yeah!” It would be a dark American rock band with a drum kit, a bass, a banjo, a keyboard, and a guitar. Would probably call it Hero.

What was the last thing you bought?

Dropped 20k on Oak Street for a client. For me? Ginger ale, Sprite, and saltines for my sick boyfriend.

What are you looking forward to this summer?

Fresh sprigs of Lily of the Valley and a vacation.

What was the best advice you've ever been given?

“Don’t turn around.”

Well, for some reason, Ace of Base just popped into my head. But now that I have a daily jam repeating in my head, I'm off to go weep at my failed wardrobe. Thanks for being oh-so-stylish, April! To check out more on April, go here. And once a month, Dose Market opens up its doors to share all that is fabulous. Better get your tickets!

 

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